Starbucks Holiday Mug

Paris, France

Combine two of my favorite things and what do you have?

Starbucks in Paris.

It sounds like the title of one of the Hallmark Christmas movies I love so much. It was, in fact, my reality at this very time, several years ago. I’d had an absolutely marvelous day in the City of Light, and was getting ready to travel to Barcelona for the holiday weekend.

But that’s another post, altogether.

The first Starbucks I visited while in Paris was in Bastille. Maybe my imagination was working overtime, but my ‘usual’ just tasted better. Must have been the French air.

At any rate, I had several more visits to the coffee shop while in Europe. The baristas were usually, dare I say, somewhat friendly, with the exception of the location in the underground shopping center adjacent to the Louvre. In my defense, I was REALLY tired, and the more tired I got, the worse my French became. They weren’t amused. As punishment, I suppose, I didn’t get what I ordered, but it was good, and I was drinking Starbucks after having spent the day at the one of the most famous museums in the world, so what did I have to complain about?

As Paris’ parting present to me, the de Gaulle airport had a Starbucks on the way to my gate, and that’s where I picked up this darling mug.

Not only does it depict highlights of Paris,

but everything is decorated for Christmas!

Every time I drink out of it, it’s a lovely little reminder of an amazing trip. Don’t you love those?

In the comments, tell me about your mementos that remind you of a special vacation or trip!